The slight, gradual rebound in projected 2011-12 concrete demand has given way to a nearly flat outlook for the period, after a a downgraded forecast Portland Cement Association released late last month. Chief Economist Ed Sullivan attributed highway-funding legislation uncertainty in calling for a 0.6 percent 2011-12 cement consumption increase over a 2009-10 trough. A previous forecast that might have seen cement shipments this year and next combine for an 8-10 percent gain factored a 20 percent increase in federal highway funding, which PCA now sees will continue at its present level.
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